A decorative form that has attractive mounds of deep purple foliage which looks almost black in certain lights. From mid summer until the first frosts this is topped with branching, upright stems carrying single near white flowers. The contrast is superb and will add real interest to the border. Alternatively pot it up and place it on the patio where it will add a colourful splash for many months of the year. This is a cracking dahlia that has been given the prestigeous Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

Garden Care: Provide a high-nitrogen liquid feed each week in June, then a high-potash fertiliser each week from July to September. Once the first frosts of autumn have blackened the foliage, carefully lift and clean the tubers and allow them to dry naturally indoors. Place the dry tubers in a shallow tray, just covered with slightly moist potting compost, sand or vermiculite. Store in a frost-free place, checking frequently over the winter months.